A handful of new Florida laws taking effect today could affect dog owners, from buying a puppy to visiting the veterinarian’s office.
HomeFetch broke down the three new laws most relevant to dog owners. Here’s what changed and what it means for you (and your dog).
New protections for people buying dogs and cats
The most significant change for pet owners comes through SB 1004, which expands Florida’s consumer protections for people who purchase dogs and cats from pet dealers.
Under Florida law, “pet dealers” include pet stores and certain higher-volume breeders that sell dogs and cats directly to consumers.
Starting today, pet dealers must provide buyers with additional information about an animal’s health history, including veterinary records. They must also disclose all financing terms before a sale is completed and provide a written notice explaining buyers’ rights under the law.
The law also expands buyers’ options if a licensed veterinarian determines a newly purchased dog or cat is unfit because of illness, disease or a congenital condition. Depending on the circumstances, buyers may be entitled to reimbursement for veterinary expenses, a replacement animal or other remedies outlined in state law.
Beyond consumer protections, the legislation directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to expand the state’s online animal cruelty offender database by Jan. 1, 2027, and requires the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop voluntary best management practices for dog breeders.
DIG DEEPER: BEYOND PET BUYER PROTECTIONS
Veterinarians must disclose prescription options
Another new law, HB 89, is designed to give pet owners more flexibility when filling prescriptions for their animals.
Beginning today, veterinarians must notify clients that they have the right to receive a written prescription and have it filled at the pharmacy of their choice instead of purchasing the medication directly from the veterinarian. This requirement does not apply in certain situations, however, including emergencies and some controlled substances.
The law also requires veterinarians to obtain a one-time signed acknowledgment that clients received the notice.
According to the bill’s final legislative analysis, the change could give pet owners more options for obtaining medications and may reduce their costs.
Threats against pets can factor into domestic violence cases
HB 277 expands legal protections for domestic violence survivors whose abusers use pets as a means of intimidation or control.
Under the new law, judges may now consider credible threats to kill or injure a family pet when determining whether to issue a domestic violence injunction.
Advocates have long said abusers sometimes threaten, harm or withhold pets to prevent victims from leaving abusive relationships. The new law formally recognizes those threats as a factor courts may consider when evaluating requests for protection.
DIG DEEPER: DOGS AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
More changes are on the way
Another animal-related law, HB 559, is scheduled to take effect Oct. 1. The legislation strengthens Florida’s animal welfare laws, including increased penalties for certain acts of animal cruelty.
HomeFetch will take a closer look at those changes before they take effect this fall.
